Autopsy of Architecture

Stories Behind the Nation's Historic Buildings & Structures

Tag: john haviland

Eastern State Penitentiary

Photo © 2016 David Bulit, Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary was erected in 1829 and at the time, it was the largest and most expensive public structure in the country with a final price tag of $750,000. Its architectural significance first arose in 1821, when British architect John Haviland was chosen to design the building. Haviland found most of his inspiration for